HB 251: Regards drone use by law enforcement; aviation facilities

The bill establishes requirements related to the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) by law enforcement in Ohio. Law enforcement agencies must obtain a search warrant to collect surveillance data, which includes images, videos, or other forms of observation recording, from a house or place. Surveillance data can be obtained through the use of an UAV system, which allows law enforcement to enter the interior of a house or place without a physical search. UAVs can be used for surveillance without a search warrant in specific circumstances, such as patrolling within 50 miles of a national border, in response to an environmental or weather-related catastrophe, or to monitor traffic congestion. Law enforcement agencies must ensure that UAV operators have a currently effective aviator's license and that the UAVs are operated in accordance with state regulations.<br>The law enforcement agen…